Boys are happy with their tour kit issue and it is most pleasing to see the 6 new players added to the squad fitting in immediately.

Finer detail concerning the tour is coming together well with training venues and timings finalised overnight for the Scotland leg.

Coaching support today was provided by members of the Australian Under 20s including Head Coach Brad Gill.

Congratulations to Angus Bell from Newington College who was named Captain of the 2018 Australian Schools and Under 18 touring team.

The boys finished the day with a presentation from a former SAS Officer Angus Mitchell. Angus delivered a frank and inspiring presentation on teamwork, accountability and leadership.

Friday November 23 2018

Another double day of training with forwards reinforcing lineout possession and backs focusing on field position tactics and defence from both set piece and unstructured possession.

The afternoon team photo was followed by a well deserved dinner and in to Number 1s for the official farewell function conducted in Therry Hall at Riverview.

The official farewell and jumper presentation was a great experience for all involved. Former ASRU Captain from 2007 Damien Fitzpatrick recalled with pride and passion his experiences from 2007 with wins against England Under 18, Samoan Schools and NZ Schools. He presented ther ASRU forwards with their jumpers.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was also in attendance and spoke with passion about the responsibilities that come with representing your country – particularly on foreign soil. He presented the backs with their jumpers.

Thankyou so much to all parents who attended the function.

Saturday November 24 2018

Late breakfast and a final training session before lunch.

After lunch speakers were Adrian Thompson and Brad Gill – both from RA who delivered a presentation focused on the pathway leading in to the Australian Under 20s and Super Rugby. Aspects of formal assessments were spoken about as was an open Q and A session

PM saw lots of down time as the medical staff offered sound advice as how best to prepare for the body clock adjustments required for long haul travel.

Players spent this time well packing, sleeping, relaxing and doing their own washing.

A late dinner was followed up with staying up late until 130am departure time for EK 415 to Dublin.

Sunday November 25 2018

Departure from Sydney following a 3am check in was seamless.

The flight to Dubai was met with a quick turnaround and safe arrival in Dublin.

Emirates looked after the lads well in flight a nd the lads conducted themselves with class and distinction.

An awaiting coach took us to our Dublin hotel for a big dinner, walk and stretch session.

Monday November 26 2018

Lads treated to a full irish breakfast after a solid sleep. A n 18th birthday cake greeted Seb Strang along with a team rendition of “happy birthday”

Our awaiting coach took us to Cork city following a luch stop at Portloaise and a pool session at a hotel in Little Island just north of Cork.

In transit all were exposed to the lush Irish country side, viewing of various historical features including the Rock of Cahel.

Arrival in Cork saw a healthy introduction to is traffic in and around the quays of the city itself.

Final arrival at CBC (Christian Brothers College) saw the lads meet their host families with whom they will reside for the next 3 days.

The boys are in good spirits and have seemingly freshend up post the long haul flight.

Tuesday November 27 2018

All met up at CBC Cork for an a morning training session following a very heavy night of rain and wind.

As training began the weather cleared and a beneficial contact training session was conducted and was followed by a 3 course hot lunch provided generously by CBC.

Post this session the boys spent the afternoon expiring the city of Cork, its quays, shopping precinct and aspects of its unique and extensive culture.

The lads re-assembled late in the afternoon back at CBC to be met by hosting families for a quiet night in.

Wednesday November 28 2018

Morning broke with lashing rain and horrendous wind

The lads completed a video and tactical review and prep for our first game within the company of Yr 5 and 6 lads from CBC. The local boys were invited in to the warm up activity and were “tunnelled” back to class.

Soon after the team completed a field session in– excellent prep for what may lie ahead.

The lashing rain and horrendous wind continued as the boys then assembled in Cork City for lunch and attended the movies watching Robin Hood.

Free time in the city saw the lads reconvene with their host families.

Again the hospitality and generosity of the CBC community has been simply wonderful.

The day finished with lashing rain and horrendous wind followed by some lashing rain and horrendous wind followed lashing rain and horrendous wind.

Thursday November 29 2018

CBC hosted a farewell breakfast for the team and gifts and jerseys were exchanged. The hosting by CBC Cork was wonderful, homely and caring of the boys. It was simply grand.

Heading north to Blarney the boys visited Blarney Castle and “kissed the Blarney Stone’ which they are still amused by!

Upon arrival in Limerick we checked in to our new home at the Castletroy Park Hotel for lunch, an afternoon sleep and a team meeting.

The team departed for a night time training run at the historic and magnificent Thomond Pk – the home of Munster Rugby.

Soon after the boys had a relaxing swim , a hearty feast for dinner and an early night.

Friday November 30 2018

A sleep in for Game Day 1 was followed by well planned game preparation.

This involved callers meetings, unit meetings, lunch, rest time, a team meeting and personal readiness for the challenge of Munster at Thomond.

Injured player – Reno Gerrard – presented the jumpers to the team and i/n doing so distinguished himself with his well wishes to the team.

Australia were seemingly inspired by the occasion and its significance to perform admirably against a capable and proud opposition.

The game ended up 34-15 to Australia and was characterised by physicality, field position and a committted response to a well constructed game plan.

The aftermatch function in the Munster Corporate Function Centre saw a tired team well fed with hot food and shared camerarderie with new mates from Munster.

Saturday December 1 2018

Eearly morning reviews on player wellness were positive and saw the team depart Limerick for our next venue of Belfast.

The “soft weather” conditions saw the team head north arriving in Sligo for a recovery swim and lunch.

The border in to Nth Ireland was crossed at Blacklion (Rep of Ireland) and Belcool (Nth Ireland) and saw another food stop at Enniskillen.

The trip featured many aspects of interest, political history and geography. The lads welcomed the historical impact of the several counties traveled through having now set foot in all 4 Irish provinces since arriving 1 wee3k ago.

Late afternoon saw our arrival in to Belfast – a team meeting – a jumper presentation to Reno Gerrard and an early night.

Sunday December 2 2018

An early night saw the boys wake to check ins/ brekky and a familiarisation with the grounds of the University here in Belfast.

Morning team meetings was followed by lunch and a team training at nearby Belfast Harlequins Rugby club.

Rory Scott arrived in to the team family as the new player following Reno Gerrard’s return to Australia after being ruled out with an injury.

An early dinner was followed up with an interesting presentation on modern Irish history with some accompanying film clips.

Monday December 3 2018

Boys checked in as per usual and completed a morning training session at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution.

We were greeted with a beautiful crisp and bright day with a temperature of about 4 degrees.

Post lunch the boys toured Belfast in our coach. Places visited included the Europa Hotel, The Falls precinct, the Shankill, the Peace Wall, Stormont, the Titanic museum and launch dock, the H&W shipbuilding dock and City Hall – including the famous Belfast Christmas Markets. Consequently aspects of both Irish history and politics has become a talking point amongst the team.

An early afternoon saw some sleep time, a stretch and roll out, time for washing, another hearty dinner and a team meeting followed by a team briefing re the match day tomorrow V Ulster Under 19’s

Tuesday December 4 2018

A sleep in and a big breakfast began the day well for the lads.

This was followed by a tactical top up from the coaches – a walk through of patterns in the car park and a hot lunch.

The touring group sang happy birthday to Brendan Jiminez, Reejan Pasitoa and staff member Michael Grice – this was followed by cake and candles.

Wallaby and current Ulster player Henry Speight presented the boys with their playing jumpers pre game and reinforced aspects of what to expect from a well organised and confident opposition.

Did I mention that today it is still and very cold – the lads are intrigued by ice on the roads and the use of grit for grip.

ASRU President Br Bob Wallace joined the touring party and was a welcome addition as we move forward.

The game v Ulster Under 19 was hard fought but Australia lacked accuracy and made poor decisions at key times which kept a very good side in the game. Hard lessons were learned.

Wednesday December 5 2018

Departure from Belfast was after a sleep in and pack up.

Arrival in Dublin city saw the boys exploring the city for a couple of hours. The main points of history such as O’Connell St, Grafton St, St Stephen’s Green, the GPO and Trinity College were ticked off.

We were greeted by a sunny 14 degrees – unusual for Dublin in December.

Stories of tax back gifts, coffee deals and presents for those back home abounded.

Soon after we were at University College Dublin for a recovery pool session followed by an afternoon sleep at our new base The Clayton Hotel in Leopardstown Sth Dublin.

The boys enjoyed a massive feast for dinner with Atlantic Salmon being favoured at the buffet.

Post dinner saw some team events and an early night and great satisfaction with the speed of the hotel wifi connection.

Thursday December 6 2018

The day began with the usual medical check ins and wellness processes.

The morning was filled with player reviews post the Ulster game and planning going forward into the Ireland test match.

An afternoon training run at University College Dublin saw the players train on a synthetic outdoor pitch for the firs time. Training was followed by a pool session and dinner.

We were joined at training by former Wallaby Scott Fardy who now plays for Leinster here in Dublin.

The boys enjoyed an early night back at the hotel.

Friday December7 2018

The day began with a training run at the test match venue of Donnybrook, Dublin.

We were met at training by the Australian Ambasador to Ireland – Mr Richard Andrews – who wished the team well and formally welcomed us oi Ireland.

Navigation seemed an issue for the bus driver so we were joined by a UCD student who became our tour guide for as few minutes.

A pool session followed by lunch saw the lads with a free afternoon. Many spent the afternoon resting whilst others went to the movies at a local cinema.

A team meeting was the lads in bed early and all looking forward to the test match tomorrow.

Saturday December 8 2018

Good sleep in – wellness and planning all in place.

Team meeting held to reinforce key messages.

Final briefing to players pre bus trip

17 -5 Australia win

Post match sees some tired lads and a few bruises.

All the lads attending a parent function hosted by the Australian parents

Scotland – here we come

Sunday December 9 2018

A very early start saw us arrive at Dublin airport and check in for our 60 minute flight to Glasgow.

Arrival saw half of our bags delayed and then a 60 minute coach trip to Edinburgh after circumnavigating the sites of Glasgow.

New player Lachlan Albert arrived after a long flight from Sydney.

A chilly 4 degrees saw us settled at the hotel, a pool session, and feast for dinner and an early night in very comfortable beds.

The day finished with a “happy birthday” to Billy Pollard.

Monday December 10 2018

A sharp frost and a clear day welcomed the team post sleep in and a hot breakfast.

The players were given a day “footy free”.

On a side note – most of our delayed luggage arrived midday but some still in transit

All ventured in to the city of Edinburgh via public transport and experienced the magnificence of the city and its its wonderful history, culture and architecture.

High on all lists visited were the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Princes St.

The boys returned for a 6pm dinner with tales to tell of a day well spent and well deserved

A team meeting saw and early night with the boys very happy about the range of TV channels and the hotel wifi speed.

Tuesday December 11 2018

The day began with happy birthday to Mitch Francis our analyst.

Training was held at the famous Murrayfield in bright but cool conditions

The boys had the afternoon off followed by a stretch seesion and dinner.

Greg Peterson presented the jumpers for tomorrows game – Greg is a former ASRU player from 2009 and is currently playing pro rugby with Glasgow and is a test player also with the USA Rugby team.

Greg spoke of his memories in the jumper and the responsibilities entrusted to those who wear it – especially on foreign soil.

Players enjoyed an early night in anticipation of a big day tomorrow.

Wednesday December 12 2018

A sleep in was followed by a stretch session and roll out and a pre-game meal.

The Scotland A game was a danger match but the lads awoke determined and attentive to both their roles and the detail required to perform them.

The Oriam Stadium beckoned with its indoor pitch and temperature controlled confines – a genuine world class arena.

Australia turned up to play with a resounding 70 -0 victory characterised by some classy play, attention to game plan and execution often well rewarded.

The staff with the team were warmly thanked by the parent supporters group on the tour and the gifts presented were warmly appreciated and will be valued by all – thankyou.

A post match dinner was well received at the local university as well as an in-house burger and pizza celebration back at the hotel.

The boys look forward to their day off tomorrow – which is well deserved.

Thursday December 13 2018

A sleep in and late breakfast was followed by a recovery session in the pool.

An early lunch saw the boys free to explore the city of Edinburgh once again.

High on the lists was the go cart race circuit, Arthur’s Seat, shopping and the hop on hop off tour bus.

The boys returned for yet another great dinner.

Br Bob Wallace organised a bag piper and Scottish highland dancer to perform for the boys in the team room of the hotel.

This was especially to make the Birthday of the Manager–Pat Langtry–which he had been trying to conceal from the group

We had a hilarious and fun filled 1 hour of traditional highland dancing and bag pipe music along with the historical and cultural significance of the mediums combined.

Seeing our lads trying to learn a highland fling from Kirstie (the dancer) was hilarious and a lifelong memory for the team – the same can be said for those lads who had a go at playing the bagpipes.

The evening finished with some traditional sausage rolls and savoury pork and bacon sausages for supper.

Friday December 14 2018

A lazy morning was followed by a tour of the famous Murrayfield where players were guided with unprecedented access to the ground, dressing rooms, playing field and trophy room.

A brief training session was followed at the training fields outside in fading light and freezing conditions – all be it dry.

An early night followed and the boys caught up on washing and wellness.

Saturday December 15 2018

An early start was decided upon and the pitch at Murrayfield froze over overnight and was closed for safety reasons.

Post breakfast saw the team announced and beginning of the test scene and script being finalised.

Training was tranferred to an adjacent all weather surface at Murrayfiled and the session was first class execution and attention to required detail – again in freezing but dry conditions.

The players had the afternoon off and spent the time relaxing in the hotel, doing some last minute shopping and getting haircuts

Head Coach Andrew Maloney (and former Australian Schools player himself) presented the test jerseys and spoke of this team and the it has left and the challenge of Scotland Under 19 at Oriam tomorrow at 2pm.

Sunday December 16 2018

A sleep in and good wellness reports saw a team awake fresh and keen to play. The lads were in a good space.

A rollout and a role review was saw the playing message and game plan reinforced.

Certainty seemed evident.

The history of “Flower of Scotland’ was relayed as was the the quality of the opposition who were also turning up to play. Scotland Under 19s had recently defeated Ireland,France and England – and suffered a close loss to Wales.

Our lads tuned up to play with a resounding 46 –14 win.

The post match function saw Zane Hogan presented with the Merv and Iris Allen Best Team Man Award – the first time ever the same player has earned this award twice in the same season.

The lads enjoyed an evening with their parents and those lads’ whose parents were not on tour were adopted for the evening – thanks again for this great support parents!

Boys are happy with their tour kit issue and it is most pleasing to see the 6 new players added to the squad fitting in immediately.

Finer detail concerning the tour is coming together well with training venues and timings finalised overnight for the Scotland leg.

Coaching support today was provided by members of the Australian Under 20s including Head Coach Brad Gill.

Congratulations to Angus Bell from Newington College who was named Captain of the 2018 Australian Schools and Under 18 touring team.

The boys finished the day with a presentation from a former SAS Officer Angus Mitchell. Angus delivered a frank and inspiring presentation on teamwork, accountability and leadership.

Friday November 23 2018

Another double day of training with forwards reinforcing lineout possession and backs focusing on field position tactics and defence from both set piece and unstructured possession.

The afternoon team photo was followed by a well deserved dinner and in to Number 1s for the official farewell function conducted in Therry Hall at Riverview.

The official farewell and jumper presentation was a great experince for all inolved. Former ASRU Captain from 2007 Damien Fitzpatrick recalled with pride and passion his experiences from 2007 with wins against England Under 18, Samoan Schools and NZ Schools. He presneted ther ASRU forwards with their jumpers.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was also in attendance and spoke with passion about the responsibilities that come with representing your country – particularly on foreign soil. He presented the backs with their jumpers.

Thankyou so much to all parents who attended the function.

Saturday November 24 2018

Late breakfast and a final training session before lunch.

After lunch speakers were Adrian Thompson and Brad Gill – both from RA who delivered a presentation focused on the pathway leading in to the Australian Under 20s and Super Rugby. Aspects of formal assessments were spoken about as was an open Q and A session

PM saw lots of down time as the medical staff offered sound advice as how best to prepare for the body clock adjustments required for long haul travel.

Players spent this time well packing, sleeping, relaxing and doing their own washing.

A late dinner wa sfollowed up with staying up late until 130am deaprture time for EK 415 to Dublin.

Sunday November 25 2018

Departure from Sydney following a 3am checkin was seamless.

The flight to Dubai was met with a quick turnaround and safe arrival in Dublin.

Emirates looked after the lads well in flight a nd the lads conducted themsleves with class and distinction.

An awaiting coach took us to our Dublin hotel for a big dinner, walk and stretch session.

Monday November 26 2018

Lads treated to a full irish breakfast after a solid sleep. A n 18th birthday cake greeted Seb Strang along with a team rendition of “happy birthday”

Our awaiting coach took us to Cork city following a luch stop at Portloaise and a pool session at a hotel in Liitle Island just north of Cork.

In tranist all were exposed to the lush irish country side, viewing of various historical features including the Rock of cahel.

Arrival in Cork saw a healthy introduction to is traffic in and aound the quays of the city itself.

Final arrival at CBC (Christian Borthers College) saw the lads meet their host families with whom they will reside for the enext 3 days.

The boys are in good spirits and have seemingly freshended up post the long haul flight.

Tuesday November 27 2018

All met up at CBC Cork for an a morning training session following a very heavy night of rain and wind.

As training began the weather cleared and a beneficial contact training session was conducted and was followed by a 3 course hot lunch porvided gernerously by CBC.

Post this session the boys spent the afternoon explring the city of Cork, its quays, shopping precinct and aspects of its cunique and extewnsive culture.

The lads re-assembled late in the afternoon back at CBC to be met by hosting families for a quiet night in.

Wednesday November 28 2018

Morning broke with lashing rain and horrendous wind

The lads completeed a video and tactical review and prep for our first game within the company of Yr 5 and 6 lads from CBC. The local boys were invited in to the warm up activity and were “tunnelled” bak to class.

Soon after the team completed a field session in– excellen t prep for what may lie ahead.

The lashing rain and horrendous wind continued as the boys then assembled in Cork City for luch and attended the movies watchinbg Robin Hood.

Free time in the city saw the lads reconvene with their host families.

Again the hospitality and generossity of theCBC commintiy has been simply wondeful.

The day finshed with lashing rain and horrendous wind followed by some lashing rain and horrendous wind followed lashing rain and horrendous wind.

Thursday November 29 2018

CBC hosted a farewell breakfast for the team and gifts and jerseys were exchanged. The hosting by CBC Cork was wonderful, homely and caring of the boys. It was simply garnd.

Heading north to Blarney the boys visited Blarney Castle and “kissed the Blarney Stone’ which they are still amused by!

Upon arrival in Limerick we checked in to our new home ast the Castletroy Park Hotel for lunch, an afternoon sleep and a team meeting.

The team departed for a night time training run at the historic and magnificent Thomond Pk – the home of Munster Rugby.

Soon after the boys had a relaxing swim , a hearty feast for dinner and an early night.

Friday November 30 2018

A sleep in for Game Day 1 was followed by well planned game preparation.

This involved callers meetings, unit meetings, lunch, rest time, a team meeting and personal readiness for the challenge of Munster at Thomond.

Injured player – Reno Gerrard – presented the jumpers to the team and i/n doing so distiguished himself with his well wishes to the team.

Australia were seemingly inspierd by the occasion and its significance to perorm admirably against a capable and proud opposition.

The game ended up 34-15 to Australia and was characterised by physiclaity, field position and a committted response to a well constructed game plan.

The aftermatch function in the Munster Corporate Function Centre saw a tired team well fed with hot food and shared comerarderie with new mates from Munster.

Saturday December 1 2018

Eearly morning reviews on player wellness were positive and saw the team depart Limerick for our next venue of Belfast.

The “soft weather” conditions saw the team head north arriving in Sligo for a recovery swim and lunch.

Thye border in to Nth Ireland was crossed at Blacklion (Rep of Ireland) and Belcool (Nth Ireland) and saw another food stop at Enniskillen.

The trip featured many aspects of interest, political history and geography. The lads welcomed the historical impact of the several counties travelled through having now set foot in all 4 irish provinces since arriving 1 wee3k ago.

Late afternnon saw our arrival in to Belfast – a team meeting – a jumoper presentaion to Reno Gerrard and an early night.

Sunday December 2 2018

An early night saw the boys wake to check ins/ brekky and a familiarisation with the grounds of the University here in Belfast.

Morning team meetings was followed by lunch and a team training at nearby Belfast Harlequins Rugby club.

Rort Scott arrived in to the team family as the new player following Reno Gerrard’s rerturn to Australia after being ruled out with an injury.

An early dinner was followed up with an interesting presentaion on modern Irish history with some accompnaying film clips.

Monday December 3 2018

Boys checked in as per usual and completed a morning training session at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution.

We were greeted with a beautiful crisp and bright day with a temperature of about 4 degrees.

Post lunch the boys toured Belfast in our coach. Places visited included the Europa Hotel, The Falls precinct, the Shankill, the Peace Wall, Stormont, the Titanic museum and launch dock, the H&W shipbuilding dock and City Hall – including the famous Belfast Christmas Markets. Consequently aspects of both Irish history and politics has become a talking point amongst the team.

An early afternoon saw some sleep time, a stretch and roll out, time for washing, another hearty dinner and a team meeting followed by a team briefing re the match day tomorrow V Ulster Under 19’s

Tuesday December 4 2018

A sleep in and a big breakfast began the day well for the lads.

This was followed by a tactical top up from the coaches – a walk through of patterns in the car park and a hot lunch.

The touring group sang happy bithday to Brendan Jiminez, Reejan Pasitoa and staff member Michael Grice – this was follwed by cake and candles.

Wallaby and current Ulster player Henry Speight presented the boys with their playing jumpers pre game and reinforced aspects of what to expect from a well organised and confident opposition.

Did I mention that today it is still and very cold – the lads are intrigued by ice on the roads and the use of grit for grip.

ASRU President Br Bob Wallace joined the touring party and was a welcome addition as we move forward.

The game v Ulster Under 19 was hard fought but Australia lacked accuracy and made poor decisions at key times which kept a very good side in the game. Hard lessons were learned.

Wednesday December 5 2018

Departure from Belfast was after a sleep in and pack up.

Arrival in Dublin city saw the boys exploring the city for a couple of hours. The main points of history such as O’Connell St, Grafton St, St Stephen’s Green, the GPO and Trinity College were ticked off.

We were greeted by a sunny 14 degress – unusual for Dublin in December.

Stories of tax back gifts, coffee deals and presents for those back home abounded.

Soon after we were at University College Dublin for a recovery pool session followed by an afternoon sleep at our new base The Clayton Hotel in Leopardstown Sth Dublin.

The boys enjoyed a massive feast for dinner with Atlantic Salmon being favoured at the buffet.

Post dinner saw some team events and an early night and great satisfaction with the speed of the hotel wifi connection.

Thursday December 6 2018

The day began with the usual medical check ins and wellness processes.

The morning was filled with player reviews post the Ulster game and planning going forward into the Ireland test match.

An afternoon training run at University College Dublin saw the players train on a synthetic outdoor pitch for the firs time. Training was followed by a pool session and dinner.

We were joined at training by former Wallaby Scott Fardy who now playrs for Leinster here in Dublin.

The boys enjoyed an early night back at the hotel.

Friday Decemberr 7 2018

The day began with a training run at the test match venue of Donnybrook, Dublin.

We were mer at training by the Australian Ambasadoor to Ireland – Mr Richard Andrews – who wished the team well and foramlly welcomed us oi Ireland.

Navigation seemed an issue for the bus driver so we were joined by a UCD student who became our tour guide for as few minutes.

A pool session folowed by lunch saw the lads with a free afternoon. Many spent the afternoon resting whilst others went to the movies at a local cinema.